The federal government might not be working, but these blue-collar bars are functioning just fine.

Government shutdown got you bummed? Surely the sour taste of Congressional impasse can be washed away by an ice-cold beer. The federal government might not be working, but these blue-collar bars are functioning just fine. Belly up during happy hour and ask the bartender to keep ’em coming.

Cardinal Tavern

2920 E. 38th St., Mpls. • 612-724-5837 • www. cardinaltavern.com

Hop the partially federally funded light rail to this South Side bar and knock back brewskis to your heart’s (or liver’s) content. With $2 domestic mugs and discount appetizers from 4-6 p.m. weekdays, you won’t have to worry about raising your personal debt ceiling. Vote “yea” on a trip to the Cardinal.

The Tuesday-night special at this Nordeast hole-in-the-wall is a real sorrow-drowner. Commiserate with other disheartened citizens with the bar’s buy-two, get-the-third-drink-free deal (good on beers and cocktails). Yeah, two-for-ones would be better, but that freebie will taste even better having earned it.

Shaw’s Bar & Grill

1528 University Av. NE. • Mpls. • 612-781-4405 • www.shawsne.com

The only thing more American than the blues is a bald eagle taking a crap on a Honda. Since the latter could be tough to coordinate, set your sights on this Northeast blues dive. Stumble in weekdays between 4-7 p.m. and slug drinks for a dollar less than usual. There’s no crisis a well-timed buzz can’t remedy.